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— h03^ THEM"— 

I I I I I I I I I I I r~i r nin r\ i 
I I I I I I I I Ti I I I I I I I I I I r 

M/ SIMMONS, 

Lena, Illinois. 



CHAS. WAITE. A. M. DURKEE. 

ANDREW HINDS. GEO. L. STEVENS. 

Chas. Waite & Co. 



LENA, • • ILLINOIS. 



Transact General Banking Business 

Same as ITational Banks. 

Deposits Received. 

Time Certificates Issued. 

Collections and Loans a Specialty. 



B. M. Weaver & Co. 

Keep Constantly in 8$tock a larg:e line of 

Drugs, Drugs. 

Medicines, Medicines, 

Stationery, Stationery, 

Books, Books. 

Wall Paper, 

Paints, Paints, 

Oils, Oils, 

Glass, Glass, 

Varnishes. Varnishes. 

LENA, ILLINOIS. 



A TREATISE 



ox 



l^ofekddo dultm'e 



SHOWING ITS DEFECTS, AND CLEARLY POINT- 
ING OUT THE CAUSE AND REMEDY. 



ALSO 



HOW A CROP MAY BE PRODUCED 

TO SUIT THE DEMAND OF THE TRADE 

WHETHER IT SHOULD REQUIRE 

LIGHT, DARK OR MEDIUM 

COLORED G<X)DS. 



ON THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TOBACCO WORM. 

THE CAUSE OF AVHITE VEIN 

DISCOVERED. 



PUBLISHED BY ,f 060.71 



2v£. Sl2::cL3::£:LoarLS, 

LENA, ILLINOIS. 



LENA. ILL.: 

STAE PUBLISHING HOUSE. 

x88a. 



Preface 



One day, when standing in tlie warehouse at the 
depot in Lena, I witnessed the delivery of 45,000 
pounds of tobacco, all from my old neighborhood, 
and this only a small portion of the product. There 
I saw the general character of the crop, learned the 
price paid and the light yield per acre, and having 
witnessed a similar repetition on several occasions, I 
felt as though the producers were laboring under a 
misapprehension in the production and curing of their 
crop. Therefore I volunteered an article which was 
published in the Galena Industrial Press, February 
16th, pointing out the defects of the general crop of 
this section, as the cause of the low prices paid. An 
editorial soon appeared in the Farm and Grange de- 
partment of the Press, which is under the control of 
Mr. G. W. Curtis, of Nora, hinting to the necessity of 
further development. This I had not anticipated, and 
being requested by others to write up the tobacco 
question in this section, I subsequently published 
four more articles in the same paper in as condensed 
a form as I was capable, giving but little more than 
partial hints on the points presented. The press and 
producers now request their publication in a perma- 
nent form for general circulation. In compliance 
with their request I have revised my published arti- 
cles, with some addition, and offer them to the public 
in the present form. 

M. SIMMONS. 

Lena, III., May. 1882. 



Tobacco Culture 



The indications are tliat Tobacco is approaching 
a point where it will be regarded as one of the staple 
products of this section. The fact is clearly demon- 
strated that not only the toil of our vast prairie 
lands, but also that of the timbered, especially where 
the darker predominate, are not only well adapted to 
it's growth, but it also infuses in the plants those 
burning properties which are so essential a charac- 
teristic in a good cigar. Notwithstanding the price 
has ruled lower here than in other localities, it is not 
to be attributed to any defect in our soil or climate, 
but rather to the want of more skillful labor in the 
production and curing of the plant. 

The first sale of tobacco effected in Jo Daviess 
county was the crop of 1869, and consisted of about 
twenty acres. This was raised by inexperienced 
persons to test the validity of our soil and climate 
in it's production. After the plant was matured and 
ready for market, samples were sent to a leaf dealer 
in the city of New York for inspection. Immediately 
upon their receipt, an agent was sent with instruc- 
tions to purchase the crop, and sales were effected 
at about 10 cents per pound. This price satisfied the 



4 
producers and stimulated increased production the 
coming year, and 1870 showed the acreage to be 
double that of the previous year; these crops were 
also taken by the same parties at the same prices. 
The result of these experiments were so complete 
and satisfactory that the crop of 1871 covered nearly 
4P0 acres, which, to the great admiration of the 
growers, waved with a luxuriant growth, and favora- 
ble results were anticipated. Sheds were erected for 
it's reception, and in due time the plant was securely 
housed to undergo the curing process. 

While the plant was curing, the growers busied 
themselves in making necessary arrangements for 
the stripping and assorting season and discussing the 
prospective prices at which the crop would be moved, 
and judging the future by the past, the conclusion was 
naturally reached that at least 10 cents per pound 
would be paid, and perhaps a higher figure would be 
realized for a few of the best crops. This produced a 
feeling of ease and contentment on the part of the 
producers, firmly believing that they should realize 
about $160 per acre for their crops, that being the 
amount realized for the crops of 1869 and 1870. 

That year, buyers from Chicago, Milwaukee, St. 
Louis, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York for the 
first time visited this section, and after a tour of in- 
spection, expressed admiration for it's burning prop- 
erties, but declared it unfit for cigar purposes on ac- 
count of the prevalence of white vein, and that it 
must be sold at from 3 to 5 cents per pound. I his 
was a new idea and a surprise to the growers, who 
supposed that their crops had matured with the 
greatest perfection. They had never seen or heard 
of white vein before, they doubted it's disastrous 
effect upon their crops as reported by the purchasers, 
and were of the opinion that this was a ruse agreed 
ttpon by the dealers to swindle them out of one-half 



5 

or more of their hard earnings and that the white 
vein would sweat out. Entertaining these views, 
the growers were loud in their denunciations of the 
scheme. The buyers, after purchasing a few of the 
best crops, and getting tired of the abuse, withdrew 
from the scene and sought a more congenial clime. 
The growers, now having the field to themselves, 
and unmolested, had time for mature deliberation, 
and soon began to realize their situation, with their 
crops on their hands unsold (and they needed mon- 
ey) and the buyers had left; in the mean time the 
white vein began to appear more prominent to them 
than before, and they finally concluded that white 
vein was a stern reality, and perhaps they had better 
concede to the views of the buyers, for half a loaf 
was better than no bread. 

Mr. Byron Atwater, of New York, a gentleman of 
culture and refinement, and one who thoroughly un- 
derstood his business, and had received more abuse 
from the growers than any other man, after being 
informed that the growers were ready to concede, 
subsequently returned and became the principal pur- 
chaser in moving the crop. I think his purchases 
were made at an average of about 4 cents per pound 
and in the aggregate about $15,000. Here was a loss 
to the producer of 6 cents per pound on his entire 
crop or $90.00 per acre of 1500 pounds, which was a 
low average, and all in consequence of the prevalent 
white vein. I think that gentleman subsequently in- 
formed me that his profits arising from that purchase 
amounted to i cents per pound. In view of this fact 
he must be credited with paying all the market would 
justify. 

White vein now became the all absorbing topic 
of conversation; great anxiety existed among the 
growers to know the cause of this terrible scourge 
which had so ruthlessly robbed them of their much 



{) 

needed hard earnings. Appeals wera made to the 
buyers for information, th^y promptly replied that 
the cause had never been ascertained; that it prevail- 
ed to a greater or less degree in all the tobacco 
growing districts; some years it was more prevalent 
than others, and if this section had matured two 
crops in succession without it, they had no reason to 
complain for it spoke well for this locality, that it 
might n©t visit this section the coming season, but it 
was supposed to be caused by a certain condition of 
the atmosphere, while the plant was unGlergo'ng the 
curing process. This theory still prevails in this 
section. 

I am informed that many of the growers in 
Pennsylvania contracted their crops of '81, before 
they were cured up, at exorbitant prices, and guar- 
anteed them to be free from white vein, but after 
they were cured the white vein was so prevalent 
that the contracts were abandoned. The New Era 
in speaking of this transaction says: "Parties who 
sold their crops guaranteeing them to be free from 
white vein begin to realize how stupid they were in 
accepting such condition. This was a thing they 
could know nothing of and coidcl not guard against." 
This appears to be the prevailing opinion through- 
out the entire tobacco growing district. 

There has not been a year since 1870 but that 
white vein has made its appearance to a greater or 
less degree, in this section as well as elsewhere. 
Growers have been compelled to accept low prices 
on account of it's presence. The crop of '81 is com- 
paratively free, yet it's work is visible upon the gen- 
oral crop, and but few, if any, can boast of it's entire 
absence, while others are forced to accept low prices 
on account of it's presence. One man raises a crop 
which is comparatively free and he says, I am lucky, 
and so he is; another man's crop is white vein and he 



'i 
says, I am unlucky, aud so he is, and both are equally 
ignorant of the cause which produced those differ- 
ent results. Indeed, it would be difficult to estimate 
the loss the growers have sustained during the last 
tenyears in consequence of this terrible scourge, 
and being ignorant of it's cause, ^t was impossible 
for them to intelligently guard against it. Simply 
because the crop of '81 is comparatively free it is no 
evidence that the crop of '82 will also be free; the 
crops of '69 and '70 were both free, but in the crop of 
'71 it was produced to such a ruinous extent that 
there is not a man who raised a crop that year but 
what has white vein so indelibly impressed upon his 
mind that it will require a lifetime to eradicate it. 
What evidence then have we that the next crop will 
not be as ruinous to the grower as the crop of '71? 
None whatever; but if he knew the cause and it could 
be effectually guarded against, then with confidence 
and increased energy, he would double his diligence 
in his production, feeling assured that one great ob- 
stacle in the way of certain success had been com- 
pletely removed. 

Every grower knwws that it is of no uncommon 
occurrence to see one, two, or three veins on a leaf 
white, and the rest not, or to see one-half of a leaf 
white vein and the rest not, or to see one, two or 
more leaves on a stalk white vein, and the balance 
free; and plants in this condition scattered promis- 
cuously throughout the hanging crop, and the bal- 
ance perfectly free from its appearance. How any 
condition of the atmosphere can produce such varied 
results after the plant Is hung in the shed is certainly 
marvellous, and beyond my comprehension; but the 
producers, believing that such might be the case, 
resorted to the experiment of close hanging in tight 
sheds, thereby enabling them to a great extent to 
exclude the air from without, and measurably control 



that within, hoping by these means to discover the 
cause and remedy for white vein; but in this they 
were disappointed, for it still existed in their crops, 
but many thought not to the same extent. A report 
of light yield per acre immediately followed this ex- 
periment; this, however, was attributed to the un- 
favorable condition of the weather while the plant 
was approaching maturity. The experiment, there- 
fore was continued, still hoping for more favorable 
results in the future. 

Now no experienced grower will deny the fact 
that the gummy substance of the leaf constitutes a 
considerable portion of its weight, and he is equally 
aware of another fact, and that is that during the 
period through which the plant passes while under- 
going the curing process, it sometimes happens that 
the atmosphere in the shed becomes sufficiently 
warm and damp to dissolve this gummy substance, 
which enables it to readily escape by evaporation. 
This produces what is known as pole-burnt tobacco, 
and light weights are sure to be the result in the 
ratio of the dissolution and disappearance of this 
gum. That close hanging in tight sheds has a direct 
tendency to produce this result will not be ques- 
tioned, and I have no doubt but what it is one great 
cause of the light weights complained of, instead of 
any defect in the weather while the plant was ma- 
turing. If this theory is correct, it affords at least 
a partial solution of the cause of the light weight of 
the crop of 1880, which is reported by the press as 
being 702 pounds per acre in Illinois, and more than 
1200 in Wisconsin. No person who has ever traveled 
over the tobacco regions of the two sections, which 
are so contigious to each other, will contend for a 
moment that this deficiency in Illinois is caused by 
any defect in her soil or climate; therefore I am 
inclined to the opinion that a portion of this defl- 



9 
ciency cannot be accounted for upon any other prin- 
ciple than the one indicated above. If the theory 
which I have advanced be correct, then it is evident 
that the experiment from which the growers hoped 
for such favorable results has not only proved a 
failure, but as disasterous in its results as the white 
vein, which the producer so much dreaded and 
sought earnestly to eradicate. 

Notwithstanding the tobacco raised in this sec- 
tion not only possesses superior burning properties, 
but its aromatic richness also combines to render it 
attractive to the smoking fraternity, the leaf also 
possesses that degree of elasticity so much admired 
by the manufacturer as a necessary ingredient in a 
first-class wrapper, yet we see the price ruling much 
lower here than in other localities. The reason for 
this is of such vital importance to the grower that it 
demands specific attention and requires the defects, 
if any, to be clearly presented. That light colors in 
the general crop Has been prevalent for a number of 
years no one will deny. If the trade in cigars had 
required light colored goods, then better prices 
would have been obtained; but, unfortunately for the 
growers, the demand was for darker goods than they 
produced. If a man wishes a dark suit of clothes it 
would be difficult to make him believe that a light 
one would suit his fancy quite as well; so the grow- 
ers not being able to convince the buyer that light 
colored goods would suit the demand just as well, 
were compelled to accept low figures. Light colors, 
then, must be regarded as a defect in the crop, which 
has a depressing influence upon the price. 

There is another point to which I wish to call 
especial attention, and that is, after taking two or 
three leaves from the tip of the stalk, then as we 
descend toward the butt, we find the butt or lower 
end of the.leaf :tpMiHfta:r>y ^&::thin^8r ti^^jift-paD^^^jgd 



10 
and the color In many instances as light as straw; 
this continues one- third or more of the distance 
towards the top of the leaf, when it very gradually 
begins to increase in thickness and the color pro- 
portionately darker, until we reach the end, where 
we have the desired thickness and color. My atten- 
tion was readily called to this point by the use of 
Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Wisconsin wrappers 
in connection with those of Illinois, when I was en- 
gaged in the manufacturing business. I do not wish 
to convey the idea that the leaf of those States is as 
thick at one end as the other, but I do say there was 
more uniformity of thickness, than characterizes the 
l«af of this section. This thinness of the leaf must 
be regarded as one of the causes of the light color 
complained of, and another defect. 

Some growers in their anxiety to produce dark col- 
ored goods, and knowing that two or three of the top 
leaves were of a more uniform thickness, and inva- 
ribly of a much darker color than the balance, seized 
upon the Idea, that in cutting their crops a little be- 
fore they were fully matured, might produce the de- 
sired result. The experiment was tried, and the 
result appearing somewhat satisfactory, it was con- 
tinued, but when the crops parsed into the hands 
of the manufacturers it was discovered that the 
woody fiber of the leaf, which constitutes its strength, 
was so completely exhausted that it was unfit for 
wrappers, and could scarcely be used for bindeis. 
A dealer of my personal acquaintance purchased a 
crop of this kind, and subsequently sold it for two 
cents per pound less than what he paid; he said the 
next time he would look a little out. Buyers are not 
very apt to be entrapped the second time by the 
same parties. Many crops of the same character 
have been s©ld, and can have no other effect than to 
bring discredit upon this section and the parties who 



11 

sold them, and it also gave rise to the report that 
much of the tobacco of this section was too thin to 
withstand the sweat. 

I will notice one more defect, and that arises 
from the apparent disinterested and careless man- 
ner in which many persons handle their crop. I have 
seen crops which were so badly handled, that its 
very appearance was so disgusting, that the buyer 
would only give it a passing look and leave without 
making any offer; occurences of this kind are fre- 
quent, and also has a depressing effect upon the char- 
acter of the crop of this vicinity. 

Notwithstanding the crop of 1881, which is com- 
paratively free from white vein, and is regarded as 
the best and most remunerative of any that has 
been produced since 1870, yet the defects to which I 
have referred, have had such a depressing influence 
upon its value, as to compel the growers to submit 
to a reduction of from 3 to 4 cents per pound below 
the price paid in Wisconsin for the same varieties. 
Many of the dealers who formerly were active in 
moving the crop, have arrived at the conclusion that 
it is not suitable to their trade, and have abandoned 
the field, and are operating in other localities at 
much higher figures, and the low prices paid by those 
who remain (they being honorable dealers) must be 
regarded as evidence that they also consider the pro- 
duct of this section of a low grade. The price paid 
for an article is an evidence of its value. I know of 
no locality in this northern latitude where the price 
of tobacco rules as low as here. The growers with 
an experience of ten years or more, witn a soil and 
climate admirably adapted to the growth and per- 
fection of the plant, have the extreme mortification 
of seeing their crops sold at prices far below that of 
any other locality. I am perfectly satisfied that 
thQde defects which have proved so fatal to the sup* 



vz 

cess of the grower, are to be attributed wholly to his 
own misapprehension and mismanagement in the 
production of his crop. 

Now, in conclusion, I wish to say that my exper- 
ience and observation during the last twelve years 
has abundantly satisfied me that the crop of this 
section may be so changed as to suit the demand of 
the trade; a crop with prevailing dark colors, perfect- 
ly free from white vein, and all the defeets to which 
I have referred in this article; a crop which will be 
sought by the trade, excite a lively competition 
among the dealers, prove more remunerative than 
any crop that has ever been produced in this section; 
a crop that will not be fluctuating in it's character 
from year to year any more than any other, and will 
be as sure in it's results as the laws of nature are to 
be relied upon. This result can only be secured by a 
radical change in the mode of production and hand- 
ling the plant. The soil, climate and laws of nature 
are ready to join hands with the intelligent grower to 
produce this change; no increase of expenditure re- 
quired; this is no experiment, the result is certain, 
the elements excepted. It now remains with the 
grower to decide whether he will continue in the line 
of defects and uncertainty as heretofore, or whether 
he will conform to the requirements of the laws of 
nature in the pi-oduction of his crop. 



13 



Selection and Preparation of the Soil 
and Seed Bed. 



The partial success attending the tobacco grow- 
ers of this section the past year, I have no deubt, will 
have a tendency to greatly augment its production 
the coming season. New beginners will be in the 
field with a very imperfect knowledge of the busi- 
ness, and they will naturally be inclined to follow the 
example of their predecessors. Therefore I have 
thought that a few suggestions in relation to the 
selection and preparation of the soil upon which their 
success is so dependent, might be of interest, espec- 
ially to those whose attention is directed towards 
the production of the plant. 

Our dark upland soils produce the finest grade 
of tobacco. Localities should be selected where it is 
well protected from heavy wind, if possible, as heavy 
winds are frequently very injurions to the growing 
crop. 

All lowlands and sloughs where the water is lia- 
ble to remain for any length of time after a heavy 
rain, is not to be relied upon, although during a dry 
season it might produce a heavy growth, yet its 
burning qualitied are Bometimes of an undesirable 
eharacten 



14 

The successful grower calculates that his land 
should yield him at least 2000 pounds per acre of the 
seed leaf or broad leaf varities, and at least 1500 lbs of 
the Spanish or sweet scented varieties; these 
weights have been obtained, and even more in some 
instances, and can be again; the greater the weight 
of the leaf of the varieties referred to, the more re- 
munerative it is to the grower. 

I will now proceed to give a specimen of soil 
which can always be relied on with the requisite care 
and attention of the grower, to yield the required 
weights, and that is what is termed the second 
breaking of our prairie land. This I regard as the 
standard up to which all soil must be elevated to 
produce those heavy yields. Every man wh« is ac- 
quainted with the soil to which I have called atten- 
tion, and the condition of the soil in which he pro- 
poses to set his plants, may now reason by compari- 
son and draw his own conclusions with reference to 
the amount of fertilizer required to bring his land 
up to this standard of production, and he may reason 
still further and justly conclude that in the ratio that 
his land shall rate below the standard that I have giv- 
en, so will his crop fall short in weight; it may require 
40, 60 or even 100 loads of manure to restore old land, 
but when once restored, 25 or 30 loads per acre year- 
ly will put it in proper condition. 

I notice a statement going the rounds of the 
press, that a grower in the Connecticut valley raised 
5221 pounds on 2| acres, an average 1916 pounds per 
acre, which he sold for 20 cents per pound, netting 
him the snug little sum of $383.20 per acre, and this 
was of the Spanish variety. This man receives as 
great a return from one acre as is usually received 
here from three. The reason is obvious, he applies 
the manure, brings his soil up to the highes^t point of 
production. I am told that whole train loads of 



15 
manure are shipped from Chicago to the Connecticut 
Valley and spread upon their tobacco lands. If 
Illinois manures, when applied to Connecticut soil 
produces such favorable results, I see no reason 
why, if properly applied, as favorable results should 
not be obtained upon her own soil. 

The grower will find it greatly to his advantage 
t© gather up all the manure which has accumulated 
during the summer and spread it upon his land in 
the fall, and plow it under at a depth of about four 
inches; it is then secure from waste. The accumu- 
lations of winter should be hauled in the spring as 
soon as the soil is sufficiently dry to admit the team 
without injury to the land, and immediately turned 
under at considerable depth; the fall plowing should 
now be plowed again at a depth of about ten inches, 
follow up with the harrow; this brings the lumps of 
the earth to the surface, then follow with the float. 
This is made as follows: take two 2-inch planks 12 
inches wide, 10 feet long, lay them down edge to 
edge, bolt a strip across each end and a tongue across 
the center, hitch your team to the tongue as close to 
the plank as convenient, the end of the tongue in the 
neckyoke will elevate the front edge of plank suffi- 
cient to let it pass over the surface without obstruc- 
tion, while the back edge lays on the ground with the 
driver standing upon it; as it moves it will thorough- 
ly pulverize all lumps, it levels the ground and leaves 
a smooth surface; this retards evaporation which is 
very essential, especially in a dry season. In about 
ten days all the foul seed which lies within sprouting 
distance of the surface will begin to vegetate; now 
put your sulky plows to work as deeply as your team 
can manage them; follow with the harrow, this again 
throws the lump to the surface, then follow that with 
the float as before; repeat this every week until the 
time of setting the plant. This" system of prepa- 



16 
ration secures three very important points: First, it 
destroys an untold amount of weeds which greatly 
reduces the expense of cultivation; Second, it thor- 
oughly pulverizes the ground, giving the roots of the 
plants an unobstructed passage in their pursuit of 
plant-food; Third, it thoroughly incorporates the 
manure with the soil, thereby securing to each plant 
an equal chance in the race for life. Those who ad- 
here to these suggestions will lay the foundation for 
a successful crop. 

THE SEED BED 

Should be located on a piece of ground fully 
protected from the north and west winds; no vege- 
table substance except the plants should be allowed 
to grow upon it or so near that the seed would be 
likely to reach the bed; immediately after the plants 
are removed, the bed should be cultivated, and this 
should be repeated as often as any vegetation should 
make its appearance during the remaining portion of 
the season. No fertilizers should be applied except 
lime and such as can be gathered about the hog pen 
and chicken roost, and these should be thoroughly 
incorporated with the soil; the bed should be suflfi- 
clently elevated to prevent its being submerged by a 
heavy rain, and perfectly pulverized to the 
depth of about six inches; this secures to the plant 
a much better root and it Is then much more easily 
extracted from the bed. The surface of the bed 
should be made smooth and level, and all cloddy 
lumps and other hard substances entirely removed. 
Now take a fine tooth garden rake and draw it lightly 
over the surface and it is ready for the seed. These 
directions, if followed, will prove, especially after 
the first year, not only economical but will relieve 
the he*d from dizziness, and also save the back and 
limbs from many torturing pains occasioned by 
weeding his plant beds under the scorching rays of a 



17 
meridian sun, wliere lie finds himself deprived of 
those cool and soul reviving northerly and westerly- 
winds, he swelters in the heat and frequently calls 
for water to relieve his thirst and cool his parched 
tongue. I have often thought that the atmosphere 
surrounding these plant beds was seven times hotter 
than need be, especially for comfort. 

But to return: The beds ready for the seed, now 
mix the seed with a liberal quantity of sand or ashes, 
and sow lightly lengthwise then crosswise until you 
have sown the desired quantity, by this means you 
will secure an even stand; now take a spade or shovel 
and with the back beat the bed hard at the surface; 
this presses the seed in the ground and perfectly 
pulverizes the surface. Now take oat straw (be sure 
to shake out all the oats) and cover your bed with it 
to the depth of one-half inch or more; this serves as 
a mulch and prevents the sun and wind from drying 
the surface. Now pour on a large amount of water, 
throw on brush or pieces of board, or anything else 
that will prevent the wind frem removing the straw, 
and you are safe. After about three weeks the seed 
will be sprouted and close attention is required. Do 
not let your plants grow up through the straw; if 
this is done when the straw is removed the sun will 
scorch the spindling plant and it is lost, but as soon 
as it begins to break through the earth, if the weath- 
er is dry the bed should be thoroughly watered as 
before, and then the straw should be removed and 
the surface kept sufficcntly damp to prevent it's 
cracking by the wind or the rays of the sun until the 
plants shade the ground; in ordinary seasons in 
about four weeks after the plants are up, they will 
be ready to transplant. 

For several years I have adopted the following 
preparation of the seed before sowing. I take a 
milk pan, fill in one inch of earth, over which I lay 



18 

a woolen cloth; on this I spread my seed and cover it 
with another cloth; I then fill the pan nearly full of 
earth; now I pour on boiling water until the pan is 
filled and set it in a warm place; in the course of four 
or five days it will begin to sprout, when it should be 
immediately sown if the weather is warm. In four 
or five days the plants will be up. Dry seed should 
be sown as early in the spring as the weather and 
soil will permit. Sprouted seed may be delayed at 
least three weeks. 

I will now proceed to discuss the cause more 
fully. That the prevailing light colors is objectiona- 
ble to the trade will not be denied; if the trade now, 
as it did ten years ago, required light colors, then 
their crep would have been more acceptable and bet- 
ter prices realized; and unless these colors can be 
changed to suit the demand, the growers must in the 
future as in the past, expect to realize low figures 
for their product; and I know of no means by which 
this can be effected, except in the mode of produc- 
tion. That the present is conducive to light colors 
the experience of the past few years furnishes suffi- 
cient evidence to satisfy the most credulous observer. 

My experience and observation justify the con- 
clusion that the mode of production may be soji^aried 
as to produce a crop of the desired color to suit the 
demand of the trade whether it should require light, 
medium or dark colored goods; and this conclusion 
is not the result of recent experiment, but of a com- 
bination of well known existing facts which are well 
known to everj'' agriculturist in the land, and to these 
facts I invite your attention. 

That the solar ray is as essential to the color 
and perfection of a plant as the soil is to its growth, 
is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the sprout 
of thepotatoe, and all other indigenous plants, where 
they are entirely secluded from the light, are white 



19 
and nearly transparent; but as they emerge from 
the dark recesses in which they started the journey 
of life and gradually approach the light we see a 
corresponding change in their complexion, and it is 
only when they are fully developed in the rays of 
light and heat of the sun that they are permitted to 
be enrobed in their mantle of green — the emblem of 
perfection. This clearly demonstrates the fact that 
tli^e solar rays of light is indispensible in the produc- 
tion and perfection of those beautiful colors which 
adsrn the vegetable kingdom during the growing 
season, and it is equally clear that the degree of col- 
or, whether light, medium or dark, is determined by 
the ratio of light that is reflected upon the plant. 
Then it follows that the foliage of the plant which is 
penetrated by the unobstructed rays of light will 
present those perfect colors which always character- 
ize the topmost leaves, and the plant, which is 
measurably secluded, will present a corresponding 
lighter color, notwithstanding every leaf of the plant 
was once a top leaf and wore the emblem; yet by 
seclusion it may become so bleached that scarcely a 
trait of its original color will remain. Then the 
greater the light that flows around the plant the 
darker the color, and the greater the seclusion the 
lighter the color. If 3000 plants are all that can 
grow on one acre and give the required dark colors, 
it is reasonable to suppose that 6000 would so ex- 
clude the rays of light that a shade lighter color 
would be produced, and if 9000 were to grow on one 
acre a corresponding lighter color would be the re- 
sult. That these results are reliable will not be 
questioned. 

Now if uniformitv of color is desired, it is evi- 
dent that it can only be secured by giving every 
plant and every leaf on the plant an equal advantage 
with its associates, and this can only be secured by 



20 
setting plants of one uniform size, and by setting 
them equal distances apart in rows both ways. This 
affords an opportunity for equal cultivation, and an 
equal flow of light around the plant. I am aware 
that this theory antagonizes the prevailing practice 
of growers of this section, which has been to set 
their plants from 15 to 22 inches apart in the rows, 
which are about 3 feet, 10 inches from each other, 
allowing cultivation on only two sides of the plant. 
If this is necessary to stimulate its growth, I see no 
reason why a greater stimulus would not be afforded 
if the other were cultivated also. 

Now we will suppose the length of the leaves on 
the plant to average two feet, the width 15 inches, and 
from 12 to 16 on a stalk two feet in height; it is plain 
to be seen that the leaves running lengthwise of the 
row will be sufficiently secluded from the light to 
produce a lighter color than those more exposed, as 
the color of the leaf is determined by the rays of 
light upon it, then those leaves upon which the full 
rays of light is reflected, will cure up of a uniform 
dark color, and the balance will be lighter in color in 
the ratio of their seclusion; thus we have the two 
extremes of light and dark colors on one plant, with 
every imaginable color thrown in to fill up the space 
between. If we exclude the top leaves, I question 
whether two leaves can be selected from the plant 
over which only one color prevails. If not, then what 
a mixture of shade is here presented to our view in 
one single plant and this a characteristic of the gen- 
eral crop. Here is a uniformity of color with a ven- 
gence, confusion confounded, and the buyers con- 
fused with the confusion of colors, it is not strange 
that they should seek to regale themselves in other 
localities where confusion is not the rule. I doubt 
whether the growers could invent a scheme of pro- 
duction which would prove more destructive to their 



21 

Interests than the one which they have practiced 
(luring the past ten years. 

The next thing claiming our attention Is the dis- 
tance between plants; in determining this, two things 
must be taken into consideration:* 1st, the character 
of the soil; the richer the soil the greater the dis- 
tance, required. 2nd, the variety to be grown, as 
some varieties will grow a larger leaf than others. I 
have seen soils sufficiently rich in productiveness as 
to require a distance of 4 feet for the larger, and 3 
feet for the smaller varieties, but in soils less pro- 
ductive, the distance between the plants should be 
proportionately reduced. Hence the character of 
the soil and the variety to be grown must determine 
the distance. 

The following table will show the number of 
of plants that can be grown on one acre at the dis- 
tances named: 

4 feet each way, 2729 will be required. 

4 " 2 inches 4350 " " 

3 " each way, 4835 " " 

2 •♦ 9 inches 6217 *• " 

2 " 6 " 7253 " " 

Having determined the distance to set the plants, 
the next thing in order is an implement to mark out 
the ground with. Now take a pine joice 2 by 6 Inches, 
2 feet long, hew off the edge at one end until it is in 
the shape of a sled runner; bolt one 2^ or 3 feet (or the 
distance you require your rows apart) on each side 
of the tongue of your float; then nail a strip of the 
same thickness and length on the tongue; this must 
be cut down sufficient to bring it on a level with 
those on either side, then turn your float upside 
down and y©u will have a good marker for this soil, 
and the distance can be easily changed at any time 
by moving the bolted pieces. Great care should be 
taken to have the rows perfectly straight and of 



equal distance apart. The marks or furrows made 
will be of suilficient depth to carry off the water in a 
heavy storm and prevent the plants from being cov- 
ered; provided they are set on one of the four cor- 
ners at the crossin-g and about two inches back from 
either furrow or mark. Some practice making a hill 
in the center of the crossing about two inches high; 
this being patted down with the back of a hoe^it pul- 
verizes the lumps; the plants are set in the centre, 
and are secure from being flooded. 

THE VAEIETIES 

Principally grown in this section are four; the 
Pennsylvania Broad leaf, and the Connecticut seed 
leaf are the larger, and the Spanish and Sweet 
Scented are the smaller varieties; the two latter I 
regard as preferable: 1st, the leaves are farther 
apart on the stalk, and consequently not so liable to 
pole burn. 2nd, the leaf thinner, the vein smaller, 
and the flavor more desirable than the larger varie- 
ties; these combine to make them of more value, and 
from 4 to 5 cents per pound more is paid for those 
than for the other varieties. I am of the opinion 
that the smaller varieties with the distance of 2^ ft., 
will yield as good weight per acre as the larger will 
at 3 feet, and the color equally as dark; in fact, the 
best weights that I have heard reported in this sec- 
tion of the crop of '81, is 1507 pounds per acre of the 
eweet scented variety, and the heaviest of the 
broad leaf was 1422 pounds. It will be observed 
that 2^ feet give 2418 plants more per acre than 3 feet; 
this additional number will make up for the loss of 
size of leaf in the smaller varieties, but on a very 
rich soil the distance between rows should be in- 
creased 6 inches for the varieties named. 

WHEN TO TEANSPLANT. 

The American Agriculturist offered thirty dollars 
in three prizes for the best practical essay on the 



23 
culture of tobacco, to be written by experienced 
growers. Tiie responses were numerous, and tiiir- 
teen were published, from which I extract the fol- 
lowing in relation to the time when to set: 

Mr. Judson Poenoe, of Montgomery County, 
Ohio, to whom was awarded the first prize, says from 
the 1st of June to the 4th of July. 

Mr. Oliver T. Bishop, of Hartford, Conn., says 
from the 15th to the 20th of June. 

Mr. A. S. Thomas, of Highland county, Ohio, 
says from the 25 of May to the 10th of June. 

Mr. Perry N. Hull, of Litchfield, Connecticut, 
says, from the first to the middle of June. 

Mr. E. H. Dennis, of Wayne county, Indiana, says 
from the 20th of May to the 20th of June. 

Mr. A. C. Tabhart, of Lancaster, Pennsj'lvania, 
saye, commence the last of May or the first of June. 
And other writers say commence setting as soon as 
the plants are large enough; and indeed this appears 
to be the idea conveyed by the above extract, and is 
also universally practiced by the growers in this 
section. 

Mr. Poenoe says, planting may continue until the 
8th of July. 

All the rest would limit it not later than the 20th 
of June. The extreme limit of planting then appears 
to be from the 20th of May to the 4th of July, a pei- 
iod of 44 days; then we conclude that all planting 
prior to the middle of June would be considered 
early, and all after the 20th would be considered late. 
The reason assigned for this early planting is 
that the plant may have sufficient time to mature 
before jack frost should put in his appearance — a 
very good reason indeed, for he is a very unwelcome 
visitor in the tobacco field, as I have learned by ex- 
perience. But as a rule we do not much expect his 
appearmce in this section until about the 20th of 



24 
September. Now it requires from sixty to seventy- 
days to mature a plant after it is set, therefore plants 
set the 1st of July may be housed by the 10th of 
September. 

When I was engaged in the culture of tobacco, 
my usual crop was from 25 to 30 acres each year. 
I have set plants as early as the 20th of May, and as 
late as the 10th of July. Two things I found worthy 
of note: 1st, that late setting was not so liable to 
be destroyed by the cut worms, which begin to dis- 
appear about the 20th of June, consequently a more 
uniform stand and growth was secured with less 
expense; and 2d, the color of the leaf cured up much 
darker, more uniform, and yielded better weights 
than the earlier planting. 

The question may now be asked, why is this 
difference in weight and col©r? In answering this 
question, I will say that light weights are the result 
of light colors, and a heavy leaf the result of dark 
colors. Then it follows that the late planting pos- 
sesses more gum than the early. The reason for 
this is obvious, when we consider that the early 
planting necessitates early cutting. Plants set the 
first of June as a rule will be ready to cut the first of 
August, and during the hottest season. Now, if the 
atmosphere in the shed may become so warm and 
damp as to dissolve the gum of the leaf after it has 
become dried (a fact well known to all the growers), 
I see no reason why, while the gum is yet measura- 
bly in a liquid state on the leaf of a maturing plant, 
it should not be eqally as liable, during a warm, 
damp, foggy time, to dissolve and disappear from 
the leaf in the field as it is in the shed. Again, that 
early hanging is more liable to pole-purn is evident 
on account of the greater heat of the season; indeed 
it is rare that pole burn occurs in late tobacco, but 
in early it is very common to have it either pole 



25 
burnt or uneven colors. Those who practice setting 
on or about the 4th of July will be rewarded with the 
darkest colors and the greatest yield per acre. White 
vein will show more prominent in dark colors than in 
the lighter. I believe I have now said suflQcient on 
this point to enable tho grower to determine for him- 
self when to set his plants. The ground and plants 
being ready, the next thing in order is how to raise the 

PLANTS 

from the bed. Care should be taken to secure the 
greatest amount of root possible with the plants. 
Where they stand thin, I have found that a common 
table fork, with one hand may be stuck under the 
roots of the plant, and the leaves gathered up with 
the thumb and fingers of the other, and then with a 
pry and a pull at the same time the plant is quickly 
raised with sufficient root to warrant its growth if 
properly set; but where they stand too thick for that 
operation, I have practiced pouring on the bed a suf- 
ficient amount of water to thoroughly soak the 
ground so that the plant can be easily pulled up by 
one leaf. Now if the bed was prepared as directed 
in a previous article, and is sufficiently wet, the prin- 
cipal portion of the roots will be found with the 
plant when taken up. A uniform growth can only be 
secured by setting plants of a uniform size; and such 
only should be pulled for each day's setting, and 
some of the same &ize should be left standing on 
the bed to fill up with in the field, if any should die 
after setting. 

HOW TO SET PLANTS 

is well told by Mr. Poenoe as follows: "Put the little 
boys and girls to dropping one plant on the side of 
each hill; let those who stick take an extra plant in 
the hand, drawing the leaves together in the left 
hand, and with the fore finger of the right hand 
make a hole in the center of the hill deep enough to 



26 
receive the full length of the roots without the tap 
root bending up; insert the plant up to the collar 
with the left hand; stick the fore finger of the right 
hand one or two inches from the plant and press the 
dirt well up against the roots, taking care that the 
dirt is so pressed as to fill up the hole. Pick up the 
plant on the side of the hill and as you step to the 
next hill arrange it for sticking; in this way you al- 
ways stick the plant you picked up from one hill in 
the next, thereby greatly facilitating the work." I 
would relieve the fingers by the use of a stick, but 
care must be taken to fill up the hole at the bottom, 
or the plant will die; when the ground is not suffi- 
ciently wet, or the sun so hot as to scorch the plant, 
a clod may be put on the heart of the plant to keep 
the sun off, removing it in the evening. The second 
day after setting, the field should be reviewed and 
reset, if needed, with the plants left standing in tlie 
bed for that purpose. 

Now it becomes all important that close atten- 
tion is paid to the field of plants to secure a uniform 
growth. Without this, much trouble will be experi- 
enced before the crop is housed, and its value greatly 
endangered by immature plants. Care must be taken 
to have a perfect stand and no plants missing if a 
good yield is expected. With a perfect stand all of a 
uniform size, the grower may look forward with a 
reasonable expectation of success; without this per- 
fect crops are expensive and hardly attainable. 

Transplanting completed, the field reviewed, re- 
setting finished and a perfect stand of plants secur- 
ed, we consider the foundation properly laid for a 
successful crop of tabacco. That nature has made 
provision on her part to secure this result cannot be 
doubted, therefore, if failure should occur, it must 
be attributed to the negligence of the grower, (the 
elements excepted). How important then, that he 



27 
should be thoroughly posted in the character and 
jimanagement of his crop, or, to in all things conform 
jto the requirements of the laws of nature, that suc- 
cess may be certain. 

Now the first- thing in order, is to determine the 
character of cultivation best adapted to the growth 
iand perfection of the plant; that all plants do not re- 
iQuire the same, is evident; for experience has abund- 
antly demonstrated the fact, that in order to secure 
la good yield of potatoes, it is necessary that the cul- 
tivation between the rows should be deep, and the 
earth in proper time, taken and hilled up around the 
plant, where weeds should not be allowed to grow. 
Experience also teaches that the surface cultivation 
of the corn crop, (after the first time through) with 
las little hilling up as possible, is productive of the 
greatest yield; if so, then the character of cultiva- 
tion required to perfect the corn crop, if applied to 
the potato crop would be ruinous, and that which is 
required by the potato, if applied to the corn, would 
be equally as ruinous. One might go on almost in- 
definitely, and multiply instances of a similar char- 
acter with other plants; but this is sufficient to illus- 
( trate the fact that no one system of cultivation is 
alike adapted to every species of vegetable plant, 
but that it must be varied to suit the respective re- 
quirements of each, if success is anticipated; of this 
1 there can be no doubt. Now I think no one can fail 
' to see the importance of understanding the peculiar 
I characteristics of the tobacco plant, as compared 
with others, in order that he may determine the mode 
( of culture best adapted to its growth. 

There is no plant in this latitude with which I 
1 am acquainted which has so large a leaf, with so 
1 many of them on one stalk, and maturing them in so 
i short a time as the tobacco plant. How vast and 
1 numerous then must be the roots to produce lucli 



28 
wonderful results. Investigation has determined 
that they are as numerous as the veins and fibers of 
the leaf, that they start out from the main or 
tap root in advance of the leaf, (and thi.s advance is 
continued until the plant is matured) and course 
their way through the soil, and as near the surface as 
the moisture of the earth will admit, and as they 
advance their number rapidly increases, until they 
reach a distance of three feet or more from the 
plant; thus each plant through its extended roots is 
drawing food from the soil over a surface of six feet 
or more in diameter. 

Now consider a field set with plants three feet 
each way, and the roots of each equally as numerous 
and as extensive, stretching from plant to plant 
penetrating every inch of soil; how necessary then 
that the surface be as level as possible, and every 
impediment or obstruction removed, that they may 
have free course from the time the plant is set until 
it approaches maturity. 

No person will contend that nature has furnished 
the plant with more roots than is necessary to its 
perfection; if not, then the cultivation should be 
conducted on the principle not only of not cutting 
the roots, but of affording them every facility of 
spreading possible; therefore the sooner we com- 
mence after the plant is set and the closer we may 
run to it without disturbing the roots the better; all 
cultivation in advance of the roots should be deep 
and so thoroughly pulverizing the soil as to facilitate 
the unobstructed spread of the roots. The hoe 
should follow, destroying all weeds and putting a 
little dirt around the plant; if cultivation is practiced 
both ways, but little hoeing is required if done in 
proper time; deep culture should not be allowed 
nearer the stalk than the end of the leaf, and cannot 
be done without endangetitig the root, all culture 



29 
nftarer should be confined to the surface. I have no 
doubt but what an Implement can be constructed 
with an expense not to exceed ten doilars, which 
would pass under the leaf to the depth of an inch, 
more or less, as desired, which would obviate the 
necessity of the hoe after the first dressing, and be 
as expeditious as the sulky cultivator. 

I am aware that the theory of culture which I 
have here advocated Is at variance with the general 
practice in this section, which has been to hill up 
around the plant very much as they do potatoes; I 
have seen this done after the plant was two feet high 
or more. Now It requires but a moment's reflection 
to see that this cannot be done without the destruc- 
tion of all the roots of the plant which extend be- 
tween the rows, and are beyond a distance of say 
ten inches from the stalk; the plant now being de- 
prived of drawing nutrition from two sides by the 
loss of its roots, it is confined to a narrow ridge 
about twenty inches in width for its support. Now 1 
would say to the advocates of this theory of culture, 
that it would be quite as reasonable to contend that 
a horse fed on straw alone, will thrive just as well, 
perform just as much labor, with as much ease, and 
live just as long as though he was well fed on good 
hay and oats, as it is to say that the plant thus rob- 
bed of its roots will grow just as well, and as large a 
leaf as it would if the roots Were not cut off. 

In support of the theory which I have advocat- 
ed, I will refer to Mr. Oliver T. Bishop, of Hartford. 
Conn., who says: " I have raised, the past season, ©n 
a little more than three-fourths of an acre, one thous- 
and four hundred and twenty-seven pounds wrapper 
***, two hundred and twenty-one pounds, second ** 
and one hundred and forty-six pounds filler — in all 
amounting to one thousand seven hundred and nine- 
ty-four pounds, worth three hundred and ninety* 



30 
seven dollars and eighty-seven cents, and the cost 
was at the rate of ninety dollars per acre. His rows 
were three feet nine inches one way and two and one 
half feet the other. In cultivating he says: " use a 
common cultivator ** care should be taken not to let 
it run too near the plants so as to disturb the roots 
•r to cover the leaves with dirt. Then with a hoe 
level off the earth around the plants," 

I will here give an extract from the Montour 
American, a paper published at Danville, Pa., of 
March 16, 1882, which reads as follows: "In Lancas- 
ter County, Pa., last season, one farmer sold his two 
acre's yield of tobacco for $1112; cost of labor, etc., 
$212; net profit $900. Another farmer realized $430 
an acre, from three and a half acres; and another 
$550 an acre from one and a half acres. They think 
it pays." Mr. Tabhart, of Lancaster, Pa., in his pub- 
lished article on the culture of tobacco, in speaking 
of the distance between the plants says: " from three 
feet to three and a half, is the practice here." 

When I consider the light yield per acre, and the 
low prices obtained in this section, as compared with 
those of Connecticut and Pennsylvania referred to 
above, it is really sickening, and when we consider 
the further fact that oui soil and climate are equally 
as well adapted to the growth of the plant, it is a 
severe reflection upon the intelligence of the grow- 
ers of this section, and necessitates a radical change 
in their mode of production. 

The distance plants are set apart in Ohio, New 
York, Indiana and Pennsylvania is from 3 feet by 3|; 
In Connecticut they vary from 2^ by 3 feet to 3 feet 
9 inches; in Missouri 3 feet by 3, in Indiana, 2^ by 3 
feet, and one writer says the distance in Ohio is 4| by 
4i feet each way. There is no locality where plants 
are set so close as here and hilling up is practiced 
only here, and no section, where so light yield and 



31 

low prices are obtained. Tliese facts sliould be suf- 
ficient to satisfy every grower of the necessity of a 
ciiange of the mode of production, as practiced in 
this region. 

WOKMING 

is the next thing that claims our attention. The egg 
is usually deposited on the underside of the leaf, by 
the moth or miller, as it is usually called. As soon 
as his wormship escapes from the egg he begins to 
eat, and the first thing you know there is one or more 
holes the size of a pin head, eaten through; that is 
the proper time to catch him, for he has not yet 
moved from the place of his birth; but if there is a 
hole as large as a pea, you may know he has suflB- 
cient strength to begin to travel; if the hole appears 
to be an old one, you may know he is not there, but 
if y©u see one that appears to be just made, which is 
indicated by the appearance of the edge around the 
hole, you may know he is there, or near by; if net 
look further, be sure and kill him, or he will rob you. 
This business needs close, very close attention, and 
must be followed up until the crop is housed. The 
worms remaining on the leaf when hung in the shed 
are beyond your reach, and will mature as well as in 
the field. I have seen tobacco injured more by them 
after it was housed than while standing in the field. 
Although the last and final search should be of 
the most thorough character, there will still be 
worms, and eggs yet unhatched, attached to the 
plants when hung in the sheds, and they will be con- 
tinually dropping to the floer, of ail sizes, from an 
half inch in length to the full grown worm; the small 
ones will crawl up if they can, and those fully de- 
veloped will borough in the earth, preparing for a 
good time the next year. I have found that a few 
ducks kept about the sheds would scoop up ail such 
droppings, and they just delight in doing it, ~ Indeed 



33 ^ 

I have seen the worms so numerous on the ground 
under a hanging crop, that they pould be counted by 
the thousand, and I should not be surprised to wit- 
ness at least, a partial repetition of the same thing 
next September, unless the growers should organize 
and combine, to avail themselves of every facility to 
destroy the moth before the eggs are deposited the 
coming season. They usually commence their rava- 
ges as soon, or shortly after the plant is set, and end 
when the plant is is cured up in the shed. They are 
always more numerous in the latter part of the sea- 
son; occasionally very early planting may be housed 
before the later crop of worms appear, and measure- 
ably escapes their ravages. Where they are numer- 
ous early in the fore part of the season, they are cor- 
respondingly more so in the latter; and when they 
are few in the early part they are correspondingly 
less in the latter part of the season ;this fact would 
favor the opinion entertained by many, that the ma- 
tured worms of the first crop ro- appear in the pro- 
duction of the second or later crop, and if that is so 
how important to the grower, that not one worm of 
the first crop should be left for seed, for each moth 
deposits several hundred eggs. 

Because the worms were few and did but little 
damage to the tobacco crop last year, it must not be 
regarded as evidence that their numbers will also be 
few the coming season. If the growers had all plow- 
ed their ground as soon as their crop was removed, 
and thus prevented the suckers from growing, the 
worms would not have been more numerous this 
season than they were last; but this they fail- 
ed to do, and the suckers were allowed to grow, on 
which the moths deposited their eggs in great num- 
bers. In the course of a few days the worms were 
hatched, and found themselves enstalled upon a lux- 
uriant growth of plants; here they fed and fattened 



33 

unmolested; the weather being warm, the frost un- 
usually late, they were afforded every facility for a 
full and perfect development, and ample time to de- 
scend into the earth (their winter quarters) before 
cold weather could obstruct their passage, and there 
they lay like an army entrenched, and will be ready 
when the proper time comes, to make a simultaneous 
demonstration all along the line a thousand fold 
greater than last year, and I see but one escape for 
the growers and that is to organize. 

I have no doubt but what if the growers in every 
community would form an association with a fee of 
twenty-five cents per acre for membership, for the 
purpose of raising a fund sufficient to pay a bounty 
of five cents per moth for every one captured within 
their limits it would be a sufficient stimulus to inter- 
est every boy and girl in the pursuit of the moth, 
and then for the nickle, and be the means of saving 
thousands of dollars in labor and the value of their 
crop; but I suppose some persons, however much 
they might be benefited by this move, would try and 
dead-head it through without paying anything, ex- 
pecting to be equally benefited with their neighbors. 

TOPPING 

Should be done as soon as the first bloom should 
crack through its enclosure at the tip of the stalk, 
and if late in the season it should be done as soon as 
the bud can be reached with the thumb and finger 
without injury to the leaves. From three to four 
leaves should be taken off with the top; care should 
be taken not to injure the top leaf on the stalk below 
the point of separation. The fluids of the plant in- 
stead of passing into the top, are now taken up by 
leaves, and their growth is greatly augmented, until 
the suckers start out on the upper side at the junction 
of the leaf with the stalk. A correspondent of the 
New Era says he had four acres of tobacco planted 



34 

with the same variety, all of which shared the same 
advantages in every respect until the time of sucker- 
ing; "three acres of it was 

SUCKERED 

When the suckers were five or six inches long; the 
one acre was not suckered until the suckers were 
ten inches in length or more. Now every one with- 
out exception judged the one acre would yield from 
one hundred to one hundred and fifty pounds per 
acre more than the three acre lot, but the reverse was 
found to be the fact." Here, there was a loss in 
weight of between two and tliree hundred pounds 
per acre by letting the suckers grow to such a length, 
and is an evidence in favor of early suckering. 

Not only this, he adds, that the three acres yield- 
ed "nearly two hundred pounds of first wrappers 
more per acre than the one acre." He further adds 
that "in the one acre there was nearly one hundred 
pounds of white vein, while in the three acres there 
was but fifteen pounds," therefore he concludes that 
leng suckers are not only productive of light weights, 
but also of white vein. I think his conclusion with 
regard to white vein, is unwarranted from the fact 
there was but one hundred pounds on the whole acre. 
If long suckers produce it, why not the balance white 
vein also. The fact that it was not, is evidence that 
long suckers do not produce it, and he says there 
were fifteen pounds on the three acre let where there 
were no long suckers. Will he tell us what produced 
it there? I think he had better reconsider his pre- 
mises, review his conclusions, and look somewhere 
else for the cause of white vein, for in all kindness I 
must tell him he is mistaken. 

Another writer in the same paper says that his 
crop received but a slight rain after it was topped 
until it was housed, and after it was cured up it was 
found all right, except five or six veins at the top of 



35 

the leaves were white; therefore, he concludes that 
the excessiye dry hot weather while the plant is ap- 
proaching maturity, is productive of white vein. If 
so, it would not exist where there was plenty of rain 
as there was in this section, where it was found to 
exist more or less in the general crop; therefore I 
conclude that he also is in error with regard to the 
cause of white vein. 

WHEN TO CUT. 

Mr. Bishop, the writer whom I have previously 
quoted, says: "Any one used to the cultivation of 
the crop knows when it is ripe, the veins of the leaves 
are swollen; the leaves begin to look spotted, and 
feel thick and gummy. The ends of the leaves will 
crack on being doubled up." This is the opinion not 
only of Mr. Bishop, but of a dozen others whose 
writings are before me touching the same point. 
Notwithstanding these gentlemen are all practical 
growers of the weed, and residing in many different 
States, yet ij; must be confessed that the cracking of 
the leaf when doubled up depends much upon the 
state of the atmosphere when the trial is made; for 
a leaf within a week of maturity, if the end is doubl- 
ed up between the thumb and finger, and pressed to- 
gether early in the morning, or late in the evening of 
a cool day, it will crack; and a ripe leaf, if doubled 
up in the same manner, in the heat of a warm, dry day 
will not crack, therefore I conclude that the cracking 
business is no evidence that the plant is ripe and 
ready to cut, and cannot be relied upon by the inex- 
perienced grower. Instead of the 

SPOTTED 

appearance of the leaf being an evidence that the 
leaf is ripe, I regard it as an evidence that It has 
passed its meridian (when it should have been cut in 
L order to secure the darkest color) and is on the de- 
cline, and its tendancy is to a yellowish and undesir- 



36 
able color. Now it becomes necessary that we should 
know the exact time to cut, and this can only be de- 
termined by the growth of the plant. No person 
need to expect a perfect crop by cutting one plant 
before, and another after it is ripe; perfection comes 
in between the two. Now all plants topped and 
suckered at the time I have indicated in these pages, 
shold be cut as soon as the second suckers shall 
make their appearance by the side of where the top 
suckers have been previously broken off, and they 
should not be allowed to grow more than one-half 
inch before the plant is cut; and none should be cut 
before, if uniformity of color and perfection of crop 
is desired; this will show the necessity, as I have 
urged before, of setting plants all of one uniform size, 
that all may ripen up and be cut at the same time. 
A failure in this is the signal for an imperfect crop 
or the necessity of carrying out those that first ma- 
ture and leaving the balance to ripen up, and then to 
be carried out also. And this is to be practiced until 
the last plant is cut. Perfect crops are not attaina- 
ble by cutting immature plants, or by letting them 
stand until they are over-ripe, therefore, ripe plants 
should only be cut if uniformity of color is expected. 

CUTTING AND HOUSING 

The crop is so well understood in this section that it 
needs no comment from me, only don't let it sunburn, 
and let it be well wilted after cutting before taking it 
up, and handle it with great care, so as not to break 
the leaves, for the value of the crop depends greatly 
upon the amount of whole leaves there is in it. 

PLANTS HUNG IN THE SHED 

Should never be so close as to touch each other after 
they are thoroughly wilted; this will give a chance 
for a free circulation of air among them, the leaf will 
cure up more uniform in color, and it is not so likely 
to poleburn. If the leaf dries faster than it cures, the 



1 



37 
shed may be closed during the day and opened during 
the night; and if it cures faster than it dries, you may 
know that shed rot is approaching, and that a dry 
atmosphere Is needed, and the shed should be opened 
when dry and closed when damp. This shows the 
necessity of tight sheds to cure tobacco in, and 

SHEDS 

Should be built with the boards running lengthwise 
of the building instead of up and down as the custom 
is here, and the doors should run lengthwise and 
open between the tiers of tocacco all around the 
building; they should be hung with hinges at the 
uper edge; these opened when desired, with plenty of 
ventilation at the peali will give a rapid circulation ©f 
air at once all through the building, and the body of 
your plants are safe from being damaged by the 
storms of wind or rain, and these, when closed, ex- 
clude the damp atmosphere to such an extent per- 
haps as to save your crop from danger. 

N»w, in conclusion I will say, that in my first ar- 
ticle I have endeavored to point out in a clear light, 
the defects of the tobacco crop in its general char- 
acter in this section, and at that time I had no idea 
of writing another word on the subject, but friends 
interposed and urged that inasmuch as I had point- 
ed out the defects, that it was but just that I should 
also show the cause, and as clearly point out the 
remedies, and present them with the necessary 
change in the present mode of production to render 
the crop a success. It must be born in mind that 
close and early planting are productive of light 
weights, light colors, and an article not suited to the 
demand, and that late planting at the distances nam- 
ed, are productive of the darkest colors attainable, 
the heaviest yield, and an article suited to the trade, 
and which commands the highest price in market; 
but it must be remembered that dark colors reveal 



38 
the presence of white vein more readily than the 
lighter. 

I fully believe that the person who consults the 
contents of the foregoing pages of this pamphlet 
will be amply qualified to produce a crop of tobacco 
which will suit the requirements of the trade in every 
particular (but one) and if the suggestions are faith- 
fully carried out, his crop will be less expensive, a 
greater yield per acre secured, and a much higher 
price obtained than has ever been paid in this local- 
ity. There is but one thing yet for him to learn, and 
that is, how to effectually guard against white vein; 
without this the crop in the future is as liable to be 
shrunk in value as that of the past, which in '71 was 
about 60 per cent. The cause of white vein no lon- 
ger remains undiscovered. I have no hesitancy in 
saying that its cause can be effectually guarded 
against, and those who know the cause, in addition 
to what I have communicated in this treatise, will be 
masters of the situation, and be prepared to produce 
a crop which will be as certain in its return as any 
other agricultural product, as he will be prepared to 
avoid all the depressing defects which has hereto- 
fore borxi so heavily upon his crop as to almost dis- 
courage its future growth. I am fully aware that 
the interests of the growers throughout the entire 
tobacco growing districts demand that I should pub- 
lish it broadcast, but I have an interest in this mat- 
ter also, which the law of the land does not protect, 
therefore I must protect it myself. The truth is, the 
vast amount of revenue the government derives 
from this industry, it could well afford to offer a lib- 
eral reward for the discovery of the cause and effec- 
tual remedy for white vein in tobacco. If the gov- 
ernment will do this the facts will be made public at 
once. Now let the growers petitio'n Congress for 
this public benefit instead of the writer of these 



39 
pages, If they wish to receive without cost to them- 
selves, and the soonerthey commence operations the 
sooner it will be made public. 

If this thing was patentable I should know at 
once what to do, but it is not, therefore I shall make 
it known only to those who apply and are willing to 
pay a small compensation to enable them to effectu- 
ally guard against it. As an evidence that I mean 
business I will say that I ask no pay until the crop is 
cured up, and then, if my directions are followed 
and white vein appears in the crop the contract is 
void, and I will say further that no additional expen- 
diture is required in the production of the crop in 
guarding against white vein. 

If I possess a knowledge which, if communicat- 
ed to another, would enable him without any addi- 
tional cost to increase the market value of his pro- 
duct 25 or 40 or even 100 per cent, is that any reason 
why I should donate him that benefit? It would be 
just as reasonable to conclude that if I had a farm 
and my neighbor had none, that I should give him 
mine. Fair dealing requires an equivalent for value 
received. I ask but a small eorapensation, and those 
who refuse may go on their way rejoicing. I will 
see them another year and then we will talk the 
matter over. 



40 
The following appeared in the Farm and Grange 
department of the Press after the publication of my 
first article: 

TOBACCO OULTUBE. 

Elsewhere in this paper will be found an article 
under the above heading to which we commend the 
attention of the growers of this important crop in 
this lecality. The author who signs his name to, a 
previous article which appeared In the Press, gave 
the reason why the price of tobacco had ruled so 
low averagely for ten years past, and asserted that 
this result was caused by the misapprehension and 
hence by the mismanagement of the growers. If 
Mr. Simmons has developed a theory of production 
by which the value of the crop may be enhanced 
large without an increase of cost, the thanks of the 
growers would be returned him if he will give it to 
the public; in fact, the growers could readily afford 
to pay him a handsome bonus if they could be as- 
sured that the;defects he refers to can be prevented 
In the future. Mr. S. is an old settler and a pioneer 
in this growing of tobacco, has given the matter his 
personal attention, and has expended much labor 
and thought to systematize, simplify and cheapen the 
cost of pioduction, spending perhaps the best ten 
years of his business life in this direction, and 
would not impose upon the grower in this matter, so 
we feel assured. 

Were we a grower of the product we should avail 
ourselves of the experience of any man who had 
given this business the time Mr. Simmons has ex- 
pended in this direction. 

We ask every grower who reads the Press (and 
most of them do in this locality) to carefully read 
these articles upon this subject, from the pen of Mr. 
Simmons, satisfied as we are that they will find them 
profitable. 

The following note appeared in the Press' of 
April 27, 1882: 

"The tobacco articles of Mr. Simmons, publish- 
ed by us recently are being copied extensively, and 
highly approved. We should be glad to see them 
published in a permanent for form general distribu- 
tion, as they are decidedly the best ever written on 
the subject." 



New Store! New Goods! ! 



-AND- 



BOTTOM FHZOES. 



^pAVINQ MOVED to P. H. MealiflTs New Building, opposite 
#Bi A. F. Foil & Co.'s Elevator, I would respectfully announce 
to the citizens of Lena and surrounding country that I have 
stocked up with a complete lino of SPRING GOODS, con- 
sistingof 

READY-MADE CLOTHING 

FOR MEN, BOYS AND CHILDKEN. 

Hats, Caps, Trnnts, Valises, UiWas, 

AND 



Gents :: Furnishing :: Goods. 

Also a full and well assorted line of Spring 
Suiting, embracing all the latest novel- 
ties in Foreign and Domestic Wor- 
steds, Broad Cloths and Cassi- 
meres, which I am pre- 
pared to manufacture 
to order in the 
best style. 

AT PRICES TO DEFY COMPETITION. 

Soliciting a call and examination of goods and prices. 

T. 11. SD'WiiZlDS, Agt. 

No. 17 South R. R. Street, Lena, 111. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS • 

^ II 



^]V1c|;athrc?, 0^2,265i17 5 



DEALERS IN- 



ID^^S" O-OOIDS, 



■AND- 



General Merchandise^ 

LENA, M M ILLINOIS. 



i^UR stock is always large — our 

goods of the best quality. 
We are always pleased to make our 
dealings satisfactory to our customers. 

GIVE US A GALL. 

McEathron Bros. 



